Donald Trump’s campaign assures that he is “fine” following what law enforcement officials are treating as an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The man who opened fire is identified as a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania.
In a social media post, Trump mentioned being “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” Secret Service agents quickly removed him from the stage as his ear was bleeding.
The suspected gunman and at least one attendee are reported dead, with two spectators critically injured, according to a prosecutor.
President Joe Biden, along with various political leaders, condemned the attack, stating that there is no place for such violence in America.
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Messages from global leaders pour in
Leaders worldwide have expressed condemnation for the attack and offered messages of support and wishes for Trump’s recovery.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned that “Political violence in any form has no place in our societies.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron also criticized the attack.
Statements denouncing the violence came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Egyptian President Abdelfattah El Sissi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
For reactions from more international leaders, visit: reactions from international leaders here.
FBI identifies suspect in assassination attempt
The FBI named Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the shooter responsible for the attempt on Trump’s life. The investigation is ongoing.
Political affiliations of Crooks are still unclear, as he was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania, but he made a donation to a progressive political action committee on the day of Biden’s inauguration.
Trump arrives in New Jersey, Biden returns to White House
Trump landed in Newark, New Jersey, and headed to his private golf club in Bedminster. Meanwhile, Biden returned to the White House after cutting short his trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Biden received a briefing on the assassination attempt later in the morning from Homeland Security and law enforcement officials. Vice President Kamala Harris was also present.
